Michael Joseph Culbert

Michael J. Culbert “Mike” 74, died Friday of a lengthy illness in Reno, NV, with his loving family surrounding him. Mike was born March 28, 1940 in East Ely, NV to William Gerald “Jerry” Culbert and Elsa Cordes Culbert. He graduated from White Pine County High School in 1958. He was the youngest Eagle Scout in the state of Nevada upon completion of his Eagle project. Mike attended the University of Pacific (UOP) in Stockton, CA where as a freshman he was a first chair trumpet player with the University band, and considered a major in Music before deciding on a career as a pharmacist. Mike graduated from UOP’s School of Pharmacy in 1963.

He married Janet Settle in 1963. He worked as a pharmacist in Eureka, Fairfield and Vacaville, CA before moving his family to Portola where he purchased Kehoe Pharmacy in 1976. Mike owned and operated the business until his retirement in 2010. Mike was a pillar in the Portola community where he often made trips to the pharmacy late into the evening to help a neighbor in need. He was an active member of Portola’s Rotary, and he played the trumpet numerous years with the Feather River Jazz Band. Recognizing the value of small town roots, Mike and his brothers donated The McGill Drug Store to the White Pine Historical Society where it serves as a living history museum.

Mike married Paulette in 2000 where the two enjoyed exploring the mountains they loved so dearly, fishing together, running the family business and spending time with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and step-daughter Julie Bowling.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Mike’s name to the Portola Rotary Scholarship Foundation. Services will be at 1:00 pm, on Saturday, August 16, at Portola Station Baptist Church. A private burial will follow at Whispering Pines Cemetery.